Canadian Rocky Rail Adventure

Your adventure begins today when you take your flight from London to Vancouver.

On arrival in Vancouver today you'll be transferred to your hotel in the centre of the city. Take some time to explore this coastal gem and do some shopping, and check out the local food scene in one of the many restaurants in town. If you want to explore further afield, catch a ferry over to Granville Island, where there's a pretty harbour for a stroll along, or go shopping in the sprawling shopping district. Alternatively, take it easy at the city's aquarium, or simply relax with a coffee and watch the world go by.

This morning you'll board the Rocky Mountaineer train and enjoy your first lavish breakfast onboard. Choose either the Silverleaf Service or the Goldleaf service for your time aboard the train and enjoy complimentary drinks during your journey, and local knowledge from an onboard storyteller. Meals are served at your seat with the Silverleaf Service and in the dining room with the Goldleaf Service.

Sit back and relax and enjoy the views, as you travel through the Coastal Mountains to the Fraser River. Enjoy a three-course lunch as you travel by the gushing wates of Hell's Gate, in the Fraser Canyon, and the majestic slopes that lead into the Thompson River. When you arrive at Kamloops this evening you'll be transferred to your hotel.

Your hotel will be selected from a range of hotels by the Rocky Mountaineer, depending on your choice of Silverleaf Service or Goldleaf Service.

Your journey continues early this morning when you board the Rocky Mountaineer once more and travel through the Canadian Rockies. As you relax and watch the stunning scenery go by, you'll see Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railways was driven by Sir Donald Smith in 1885. You'll also pass by the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, and Roger's Pass. You'll arrive in the alpine resort town of Banff tonight, where you'll be transferred to your hotel for the night.

This morning you'll enjoy a tour of Banff, which takes you to the Cave and Basin, an historic site where Canada's National Park System began its life in 1885. Once you've learned how Banff became the birthplace of all of Canada's National Parks, you'll also visit Tunnel Mountain Drive, and the Hoodoos. The afternoon is your free time to discover more of Banff on your own. Take a stroll around town and see the local life of this resort town. Or, you can add an optional excursion for the afternoon.

Today you'll enjoy a transfer through picturesque landscapes as you travel from Banff to Lake Louise. When you arrive in the alpine hamlet of Lake Louise you'll be transferred to your hotel and you'll then have free time to explore the area on your own. Take a walk around the glacier-fed lake and admire the beautiful landscapes, or simply cosy up with a steaming hot chocolate by a fire and admire the views from the comfort and warmth of one of Lake Louise's cafes.

Get ready for some spectacular icy scenery today when you travel from Lake Louise to Jasper. You'll travel along the Icefield Parkway, making a stop off at the Columbia Icefield. Here, you'll ride on an Ice Explorer onto the impressive Athabasca Glacier. When you arrive in Jasper in the afternoon you'll have some free time to explore this stunning alpine town. Take a walk around town and discover the local food scene by visiting one of the many restaurants and try some of the excellent local dishes on offer.

Today you'll make your way to the station where you'll board your second train of the trip, VIA Rail's Canadian. Relax aboard the train and get comfortable in your Sleeper Plus accommodation. Cabins are comfortable, and you can reserve a private cabin if you wish.

In the dining car you can enjoy fine dining from the three-course menu, plus there's a selection of local wines and beers available. Dietary requirements are accommodated, and you can order special meals ahead of travelling. Dinner is served onboard, after which you can get comfortable for your first night on the train, as you head to Vancouver.

On arrival in Vancouver today, make your way to your hotel, and you can then spend some free time exploring the city. Take a walk along the ocean side pathways and the seawall around Stanley Park, where you can visit Stanley Park itself. Soak up this nature rich coastline or stay in the heart of the city and dive into the food scene and try out some local dishes. You're close to the best of the city's shopping for some retail therapy, or you can sit with a coffee and watch the locals go about their day. Or, choose to add an optional excursion.

Your adventure comes to its close today when you are transferred to Vancouver airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

You'll arrive back into the UK today, having made new memories and new friends on your epic trip.